Category: Addiction
Fentanyl overdose deaths hitting older and younger drug users in Washington state, UW study finds
ortality rates of people under 30 are typically much lower than for people 30 and older.
How the pandemic helped spread fentanyl across the US and drive opioid overdose deaths to a grim new high
The soaring death toll has been fueled by a much more dangerous black market opioid supply. Illicitly synthesized fentanyl – a potent and inexpensive opioid that has driven the rise in overdoses since it emerged in 2014 – is increasingly replacing heroin. Fentanyl and fentanyl analogs were responsible for almost two-thirds of the overdose deaths recorded in the 12 months period ending in April 2021.
Washington state overdose rates on pace to break another record, health officials say.
Health officials urge people to carry naloxone and know overdose signs
Opioid-addiction medication underused in WA, UW study shows
Opioid users may need multiple care episodes with buprenorphine before their recovery trajectory is established.
Opioid Deaths Spark Push to Ease Buprenorphine Rules
Doctors say requirement to take an 8-hour course and submit to Drug Enforcement Administration oversight has stymied the drug’s availability.
Fatal overdoses spike in King County
These last two weeks mark a sharp increase—double the average number of weekly fatal overdoses throughout much of 2020.
COVID-19 Eased Drug Treatment Rules—And That Saved Lives
“Telehealth sessions have been a lifeline for those walking the long road to recovery during a stressful, isolating time.”
Perspective: Why opioids cannot fix chronic pain
Emotional pain and chronic pain are related, and painkillers, ultimately, make things worse
Good drug rehab is hard to find
There has been explosive growth in America’s drug rehab industry. Unfortunately, that includes some operators interested more in the money than the welfare of patients.
App monitors drug treatment adherence
The app has also been applied to the treatment of other chronic and infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, diabetes, and hepatitis C.
Alcoholic? Me? How to tell if your holiday drinking is becoming a problem
Holiday drinking can get out of hand before we know it. It’s important to know the signs of overuse.
San Francisco Hopes To Improve Care For People With Mental Illness Living On Streets
The plan will allow the city to take people with mental illness or substance abuse issues off the streets without their consent and put them into treatment.
Driven by injection drug use, number of new HIV cases rises in King County
In 2018, county saw a 400% jump in the number of new HIV diagnoses among people who inject drugs.
Inside Purdue Pharma’s Media Playbook: How It Planted the Opioid “Anti-Story”
In the article, Sally Satel, a psychiatrist, argued that law enforcement was overzealous, and that some patients needed large doses of opioids to relieve pain.
Cannabis found not to be a substitute for opioids
A meta-analysis of the studies found cannabis use didn’t reduce illicit opioid use during treatment nor did it retain people in treatment.